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Teresa's Recipes • Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese - Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese, featuring a rich and creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni, to

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Baked Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Mac and Cheese, featuring a rich and creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. This classic dish has roots in 18th-century Europe and has become a beloved staple in American cuisine, often associated with family gatherings and cozy nights in. A true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and happiness to any table!

Serves 6 🍷 Wine Pairings 🥗 Side Dishes

Ingredients

Macaroni
8 ounces (about 2 cups)
Unsalted butter
4 tablespoons
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup
Milk
2 cups (preferably whole milk)
Cheddar cheese
2 cups, shredded
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup, grated
Bread crumbs
1 cup (preferably panko for extra crunch)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
  7. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.

Tips

  • 💡 For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or diced ham into the macaroni mixture.
  • 💡 You can also mix in some steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
  • 💡 Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique twist on the classic flavor.

Dietary Information

Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Calories: 400 Fat: 20g Carbs: 40g Protein: 15g Sodium: 600mg Sugar: 5g

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